VPI Scout vs. HW 19

This is going to be for my office system. I realized a few weeks ago that I've got a 10,000 rig at the house that gets 4-5 hours of use a week, and a 2,000 rig at the office that I sure 60hrs a week. We're moving in a month, and my new office is big enough for me to put all my gear in there. So...I thought it'd be a good time to get back into Vinyl. (I got out because I have a 18-month old now, that likes to bang on things.)

I'll be piping it into a Jeff Rowland Consonance Preamp, JR Model 1 Amp, a Wadia 850-GNSC CD Player, and using ProAc Response 2-S speakers.

I've still got a 16.5 cleaning machine, so I'm almost there already.

The more I think about it...the more I think I'll look for a Scout. Aries I would be great, but I can't imagine finding one in the sub-$1,500 wheelhouse.

There are opinions both ways. My 19 has a Scout platter and a SAMA Motor. I am playing with some options, actually have the stuff here to do it with, changing the plint to a steel/corian mixture. I think you certainly can play around more with a 19. Personally I like the look of a traditional looking table like the 19. So depending on personal sound preferences, and what you have on/in the 19, it could be just as good or better then a Scout. On the other hand you can just pull the Scout out of the box and have a great sound rig, just as it is.

I've got a HW19 MK III with a SAMA and SDS and I'm using a modified RB300 tonearm with drop counterweight and Cardas rewire.

It is a very good table outfitted this way and I'd put it up against any Scout that's for sure.

Like was said before, find a Mk IV and put a good arm on it, maybe even a JWM 9 Signature and you'd have a table that can last the ages. Though I do also recommend the SAMA and SDS. I bought all of my stuff used here on Agon and I have $1,250 into it.

Good Luck

the HW 19

I'm thinking I'll just honker down and look for a Scout. By the time I outfit a Mk IV with everything I want, I'll have the same money into it.

My last Scout was a real peach. I LOVE the JMW-9, so that'd be the first upgrade on a MkIV...so that's what made the decision for me to look for a Scout.

Ok...the hunt begins.